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Tuscany is as much an idea as a place.

 

Recently I read something about Tuscany that really intrigued me.  The author said, “Like Paris, Tuscany is an idea as well as a place.”  It’s a feeling, an ambiance, a concept and experience.  Tuscany is what we think of when we think Italy.

I noodled that one around a bit and decided I agreed.  While  too many tourists crowd into this part of Italy, it evokes a feeling that one doesn’t get in many places in the world.  For that reason, I would go back.

What is that?  Relaxed.  Focus on food in an unpretentious way.  People who talk with their hands passionately.  In fact, our cute chef/cooking teacher laughed about this and said she can talk with her hands and her feet. She wiggled one foot around while waving her arms and chuckled,  expressing pure pleasure with spending the evening teaching us to make the perfect risotto.

The scenery is beautiful even in the late fall after crops were harvested and we happened to have a rather gray cloudy time period.   I was surprised with the diversity—forests, knolls and valleys near our  villa, expansive rolling hills about an hour a way and, of course, stunning coast line begging to be explored.

Maybe the special feeling has to do with all the art.  Florence is Living Museum. It has an amazing collection of art thanks to the Medicis, especially the last surviving member of this family who donated the entire collection to the city of Florence.

But I saw art and creativity everywhere— painted rocks, ceramics, cute trash cans–anything but ordinary.  The amazing Duomos evoke awe and wonder.  Storefronts are designed to charm and the children are beautifully dressed.

For more  about Florence click here.  Ditto for Siena.

One can stay very busy in Tuscany.    Meander the towns.  Visit the art museums and galleries. Ride bikes.  Tour wineries.  Eat, Drink and Be Merry.  By the end of the week, my desire to “see it all” had lessened and I simply enjoyed time reading and chatting with our friends in the cozy villa with an enormous fireplace.  Funny, as we gathered around our charming dining table, the conversations became more fascinating and profound as the week went on. Wonder if the good Tuscan wine we consume had anything to do with this?

I also enjoyed strolling up and down the small towns—referred to as Hill Towns. We visited a bunch on the “to see” list,  but my sense is that you could go to any one and find treats and treasures, friendly people, good food and the Italian zest for life.

The guidebooks say Tuscany is a blissful escape from the 21st Century.   A lot of truth in that.

For more Tuscany photos, visit Facebook DesignDestinations Fan page photo album.

Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

6 Comments
  1. posted by
    Barb
    Nov 6, 2010 Reply

    Susan,
    Both times we rented a villa in Tuscany, we tossed out the “to see lists” and ventured into the hill towns and their surrounds. Using our faithful dictionary to guide us with menu selections, we experienced some of the most fabulous food and wine anywhere. All this and the unforgettable vistas, make Tuscany a definite region to re-visit.
    Barb

  2. posted by
    Cindy Schad`
    Nov 6, 2010 Reply

    I remember a special little town called Rada. We sat overlooking the hills at sunset sipping Brunella:)

  3. posted by
    Margaret Cheff
    Nov 7, 2010 Reply

    Hi Susan, revisiting Tuscany and seeing it again “through your eyes” has me yearning to go back. Thanks for all your many “on line tours” via Design Destinations!!

  4. posted by
    Kate Dernocoeur
    Nov 7, 2010 Reply

    mmmm…nice images, both in words and photos. Reading this blog made me feel content, just knowing about that special place. What a wonderful opportunity for you all, to remember the delight in relaxation with friends.

  5. posted by
    Georgia Gietzen
    Nov 8, 2010 Reply

    Ahhhhhhhhh yes . . . Tuscany. Not a one time visit place . . . a place I think we will return to again and again. The food, the wine, the rolling landscapes, the casual attitude of villagers, the cappucino’s, the art . . . . a feast for the eyes and the tummy!

  6. posted by
    seekatrip
    Sep 8, 2013 Reply

    Reading your post just make you want to visit Tuscany again, the images are beautiful.

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